DPI sites petition taken to Parliament

A petition arguing for Department of Primary Industries (DPI) sites in the Wimmera-Mallee to be kept open was presented to the Victorian Parliament yesterday.

The State Government announced plans in August to cut 70 DPI jobs and close sites across the state, including at Walpeup, Rainbow and Stawell.

The Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty, says the petition does hold some sway, despite only being signed by 112 people.

"The more you have the better, but there is a lot of petitions going on about concerns ... with the State Government, whether it be the closure of the Essendon Airport, whether it be the upgrading of road infrastructure, petitions are happening all the time," he said.

"Everyone who signs a petition is voicing their disquiet at what this State Government is doing to country Victoria."